NBA

• Grizzlies 123, Magic 115
  • While it hasn’t been a massive one, Jaren Jackson Jr. has taken a leap this season for Memphis. In just 25.7 minutes per game, the big man has upped his blocks per game total from 2.3 to 3.1, stabilizing the Memphis interior. This season, the Grizzlies feel like more of a true contender out West than they were in 2022.
  • It’s obvious that Paolo Banchero has had a tremendous rookie season to this point, but perhaps the most impressive thing regarding his inaugural campaign has been how frequently he’s visited the foul line. After shooting nine free throws last night, the Duke product is averaging 7.9 free throw attempts per game. For reference, LeBron James attempted just 5.8 free throws per game as a rookie in 2004.
• Celtics 124, Mavericks 95
  • The Mavericks need another piece. Luke Doncic, despite shooting 7-23 yesterday, is certainly a guy that can be counted on, but the same can’t be said for most of his teammates. In this tilt, Tim Hardaway Jr. went just 2-11 and Reggie Bullock scored zero points in 37 minutes. Acquiring a wing would do wonders for Dallas, which sits at 22-17.
• Jazz 131, Rockets 114
  • This probably goes without saying by now, but Lauri Markkanen deserves to be an All-Star come February. After dropping 49 points in this blowout, the 25-year-old upped his season average to 23.9. At 20-21, the Jazz are pretty decent, and Markkanen has inadvertently foiled the front office’s possible plan to tank the season.
• Nuggets 122, Clippers 91
  • Realistically, all that matters for Los Angeles this season is how the franchise fares in the playoffs, but a 21-19 record probably isn’t what the team’s brain trust had in mind. Kawhi Leonard may never return to his peak form, which caps the Clippers’ ceiling, but it’s also fair to say Tyronn Lue, despite being a well-respected coach, hasn’t exactly done a good job with this team.

NCAAB

• Texas fires head coach Chris Beard
  • This decision makes sense considering the charge levied against Beard, but it’ll probably set the Texas program back. Beard was one of the best coaches in the sport, and this was a season in which the Longhorns truly had a chance to contend for a national title.
• Rutgers 64, Maryland 50
  • Rutgers is the real deal. With wins over Purdue and now Maryland over its past two contests, the Scarlet Knights are in prime position to secure their third straight NCAA tournament bid. Rutgers is old, which is a good thing in college basketball, and capable of beating any team in the country at the RAC.
• Queens 75, Bellarmine 74
  • Queens just joined Division I this past July, but has already made its mark, starting 12-4. It’s unfortunate that the Royals can’t compete in tournament play until 2027.
• Purdue 71, Ohio State 69
  • We’ll see if the Boilermakers hang onto their No. 1 ranking come next Monday, but this was an impressive response coming off a disappointing defeat. Zach Edey should be the favorite for National Player of the Year, as he registered 16 points and 11 rebounds in this game.
  • Perhaps the result of this contest would’ve been different had one of Ohio State’s best players, Zed Key, not left early with an injury. The Buckeyes were able to keep it close without Key thanks in part to another strong performance from one of the countries’ top freshman, Brice Sensabaugh.
• Houston 87, SMU 53
  • I mentioned above that Purdue may not hang onto its top ranking, and if it doesn’t, that spot may go to Houston. The Cougars don’t have the nation’s best resume, but they may be the best team — at least to this point in early January. Jarace Walker is a special talent for a freshman, as he totaled 23 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists versus the Mustangs. I was able to bet Houston at -400 to win the AAC’s regular season title, which feels like free money.
• Vermont 74, Bryant 64
  • I know Vermont was favored in this game, but it was a solid victory, nonetheless. Bryant is a rising mid-major program, but Vermont proved it should still be considered the class of the America East, despite being just 8-8.
• Florida Atlantic 88, UAB 86
  • It’s been a special season so far for the 13-1 Owls. With victories over Florida and now UAB, FAU is a legit at-large contender, which is amazing considering the program finished 19-15 a season ago. Johnell Davis outplayed Jordan Walker in this game, which gave the Owls enough of an edge to secure the win.
• Stony Brook 67, Monmouth 56
  • The Monmouth program is in a bad place. The Hawks have fallen to 1-14, a far cry from the program’s 55 combined wins in 2016 and 2017.
• Seattle 66, UT Rio Grande Valley
  • I’m intrigued by this Seattle team. The Redhawks are 11-4, and their best player, Cameron Tyson, shoots over 10.0 three pointers per game, while making 4.0 of them. Seattle has an outside chance of winning the WAC.
• North Dakota State 65, South Dakota State 59
  • South Dakota State has been hampered by some departures this past offseason, most notably that of Baylor Scheierman. The Jackrabbits were borderline awesome a year ago, finishing 30-5 with one of America’s top offenses, but the team has faltered to 7-9 in 2023.
• Cincinnati 70, Wichita State 61
  • Cincinnati has taken a tangible step forward this season. After suffering 15 losses in 2022, the Bearcats are 11-5, and have amassed some significant momentum on the recruiting trail. It’ll be interesting to see how Wes Miller’s squad does in the Big 12 next season and beyond.
  • Wichita State fans must be longing for the days of Gregg Marshall.